BOSTON, MA – Boston Bruins General Manager Peter Chiarelli announced today that the club has signed defenseman Matt Bartkowski to an entry-level contract. Per club policy, financial terms of the deal will not be disclosed.

The 21-year-old Bartkowski skated in 39 games for Ohio State University of the CCHA (Central Collegiate Hockey Association) this year, registering 6-12=18 totals and 99 PIM, with five of his six goals coming on the power play. Through two seasons with the Buckeyes, Bartkowski has played in 80 games recording 11-27=38 totals and 145 PIM. He was named a member of the 2009 CCHA All-Rookie Team, the first Buckeye defenseman named to the team in ten years.

The 6’1″ 203-pound native of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania was selected by the Florida Panthers in the seventh round (190th overall) of the 2008 NHL Entry Draft. He was acquired by Boston from the Florida Panthers with Dennis Seidenberg in exchange for Byron Bitz, Craig Weller and a 2011 second round draft pick (Tampa Bay) at the 2010 trade deadline on March 3, 2010.